a lot of miles, a lot of thoughts…

After September, even though I could barely walk let alone run, I couldn’t just sit or stand still. I had to find something. First I signed up to run a marathon in June. My first race was a marathon and I really thought I never run another. But I also didn’t realize I was a runner until AFTER that race. But, a marathon? It just didn’t seem big enough. I needed something like the Run September challenge to really get the juices flowing.

So, the Great Streak was born! I promise you it’s big… REALLY big. Well, big for me and probably for most average runners. So, true to form, I started a new blog to capture the journey. If you follow this blog, I hope you will consider following the new one…

I have been thinking about my streak for a little over a week. It was actually conceived many months ago but only birthed recently.

It’s a tough one, similar to what I’ve done before, just longer. More grueling. Certainly doable if I’m committed. And, I am.

But these last few weeks have been mentally brutal. I’ve been up and down. Mostly down. It’s been rough. I’ve been beating myself to a pulp almost daily. Frustration, disappointment, many MANY tears. I’m not quite myself. And now that I have decided on my “streak” at least I have a focus. It’s still not enough.

But tonight, tonight I had an epiphany. I can’t be so hard on myself that I will never succeed. So, 2014 will have two streaks for me. One physical (and intense) and one mental. The mental will be more difficult than the physical.

Stay tuned.

Have you come up with your streak? It’s gotta be life changing. Really. Or it doesn’t count.

Yes, its that time of year when we look back at what we did or did not accomplish this past year and set our sights on next year. Many make New Year’s resolutions or plans to do something different, better, more, or less but somehow around February this all goes awry. Life happens, priorities change, that resolution or plan just wasn’t right. It was too hard, too easy, too dumb, you didn’t really want to do that anyway, or you were just caught up in the moment and now reality has hit. You’ll get a kick in the butt around June or July and rethink your priorities and then maybe you get back on the bandwagon and revisit the old resolutions or plans. Sometimes you even decide that you can and will do them anyway. You make adjustments and get back on track. For many, you will lose your way again. For some, you will meander but sort of stick to the path. And for a few, you will follow through and find the finish line.

So, as not to offend anyone I would say “it’s all about the journey and as long as you at least take steps in the right direction you’ve accomplished something.” But… yes, the but.

What I really want to say is and, hear my heart, if you really want something bad enough then come hell or high water you make it happen. I don’t care how bad you hurt, how many hours of sleep you didn’t get, how many kids you have or don’t have, how many people were mean to you or nice to you, how many activities came up out of nowhere, how grumpy your boss was, how your spouse doesn’t understand, or how tough your life is. Really? Yeah, mine too. We all have the same “issues”. Some worse than others, some more than others. So? And?

I’ll be brutally honest. Not just with you, but with myself. These are simply excuses. Either decide that whatever it is that you want to do is important enough and make it happen or be happy with where you’re at and quit complaining.

Don’t tell me why you can’t do something… I can’t run, my knees hurt. I can’t work out, I work too much, I can’t lose weight, I have no will power. I can’t quit smoking, I have too much stress. I can’t… I can’t…. I can’t… Know what? You won’t. EVER.

SHOW me how you CAN do something. Got aches and pains? Start walking. Attached to your desk by a chain? Stand up and stretch, squat or lunge right there. See the trashcan? THAT’S where you pop the sweets NOT your mouth. Don’t buy the cigarettes. If you don’t have them, you can’t smoke them. Right?

Seriously. Get a grip. 2014. This is the year of the great streak. The streak that will change your life.

I’m a firm believer that a challenge must be big enough to change you. If it doesn’t mentally, emotionally and physically affect you? Its just not quite big enough. And, my challenge for 2014? It’ll do more than just that.

My challenge in September had me running 1 mile for every day of the month, 1 on the first, 2 on the second, 3 on the third and so on and so on. It was by far the hardest challenge I’ve ever ACCOMPLISHED! But… its time to go to the next level. And… beginning January 1, we move to the next level.

This was a much-anticipated race and I seriously could not wait! A friend had sent me the link for the race many months ago. I checked it out and was determined to go. The promo video for it made it seem just like The Secret Stairs in my little town but with more! MORE miles, MORE hills, MORE… you guessed it, STAIRS! OMG! Heaven! I do love me some stairs!

I really have no idea why. Stairs burn the legs… the quads, the calves, the glutes. Stairs take your breath away… you’re gasping for air when you reach the top of an extended stair case or when you’ve climbed a set over and over again. I choose stairs over escalators. I choose stairs over elevators. Whenever I see a set I think, “hmm, how could I turn those into a workout? So many possibilities!”

It wasn’t a cheap race for me. There was the entry fee, the t-shirt fee (that wasn’t included :(), the hotel costs (2 nights in lovely Naco, Arizona), gas, rental car fee, food and drink, and a couple of souvenirs. The most expensive race I’d ever run… but it was worth it!

The 8 hour car drive with my hubby was quite enjoyable. I had packed snacks and not even healthy ones at that! We munched and chit chatted our way over the mountains, through the desert and right into the little town of Bisbee, Arizona. Made it just in time to pick up our bibs. The time flew by. Of course, I wasn’t driving and I was doing most of the talking so I was having a great time! My hubby kept us on course, smiled, laughed, nodded his head, and chimed in when given the chance. 😉 It was a great drive!

The “lodge” where we stayed was clean, had all the amenities we needed… tv, bed, bathroom and coffee pot. It even had a mini fridge, microwave and blow dryer! Who could ask for anything more? The restaurant that was next door and the closest thing for miles was, well, uhm, yeah. We ordered a meal there but didn’t eat there nor did we actually eat the meal WE ordered. Somehow we got another lady’s breaded mushrooms, two patties of I don’t know what, and a carne asada burrito. The waitress was foul-mouthed, in a hurry, and I don’t think customer service is part of her job description. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure friendly was not her middle name. My husband who can usually crack the meanest person couldn’t even get her to grimace. Not with his compliments of the 14 inch long nails, the rather quiet vacuum cleaner, or the well stocked but completely unkept kitchen area situated just behind me. She didn’t like his flattery or his jokes. She was a pretty tough cookie. And, then when he had to go back to try to get OUR meal, she didn’t find him charming AT ALL! 😉 Needless to say, I didn’t get my enchiladas and the lady who didn’t get her mushrooms? Well, since Mike didn’t know where she was staying, she didn’t get those either. The girl with the apron couldn’t care less about the lady and her shrooms. Oh well.
The morning of the race we got up, dressed and headed for the town of Bisbee. In the daylight it was very charming and we saw this big hole in the ground, like the size of a crater! A serious hole! We decided to check it out on our way back. We parked on the outskirts of town and walked to the starting line. Lots of people meandering their way towards the lady with the bull horn. People donned in all sorts of running apparel. Even some in costumes (there was a Halloween contest going on as well). Everyone was friendly and excited. We chatted with a couple of different people. Most it was their first time and they were just as anxious as I. My husband wasn’t anxious. He was, shall we say, just along for the fun. The last time he had run was the 5K we did in July. So, he was not feeling prepared or excited or anxious. I think he may actually have been dreading it! But, he was there… all smiles, friendly, and cracking jokes with anyone who was near. I’m pretty sure he just wanted the race to start so it could be over.
Then it was time to get in our corrals. Whoo hoo! This is the part I love and dread at the same time. Here is where you see who you are up against. Reality? I’m truly only running against myself but the competitor in me always checks out who’s standing around me. I basically am looking for people about my age. Hmm, am I faster than her? did he train more than me? But once you move up to the starting line and they let you go, all of that is forgotten and I run my race.

I did meet a women whose name is Molly. She was a tiny little thing and looked fit as a fiddle. This was the first stair race for both of us. And, she was about 5 months post chemo. It wasn’t her first race since her treatment but probably the most challenging race. I was inspired. The trials in my life have been nothing compared to hers and if she’s fit and fierce than I have no excuse. Seriously.

Then a group of fire fighters dressed in all their gear headed to the front and they let them have a head start. I couldn’t imagine wearing all that “stuff” AND run in boots. Who does that? Apparently THEM! Again, if they can do it? There is no reason for me to have doubts.

We finally make it to the starting line, they drop the banner and off we go! Running through the streets of this old mining town. They aren’t smooth and they are winding. And, they are AWESOME! We reach the first staircase and the adrenaline is practically jumping off my body! The stairs go up in between two buildings, just like the Secret Stairs in La Mesa. I’m sure I’ve got the biggest grin on my face. I am absolutely loving it!

If you want to walk up the stairs you stay to the right, if you want to run or go faster than those on the right you move to the left. I start on the right and quickly realize that I wanna run! I move to the left and up those babies I go! Whoo hoo! I’ve never been so grateful for all those Tuesday runs in La Mesa!

Staircases two and three are just as fun, and the same thing, I start on the right and quickly find myself on the left. We are now also running through the hilly neighborhoods. People are on the streets, on their porches, in their driveways cheering us on! It was amazing! When I hit staircase number 4 I was so happy and all the little people in my head were having a big cheerfest! “We are so doing this again next year! Yeah! This is FUN! OMG! Where has this race been all my life! Whoo hoo!” Seriously, I was so excited.

My leg had been hurting from my last challenge and I was a bit concerned about being able to run this race. But, I was so excited, if my leg hurt I didn’t even noticed. I think it was caught up in all of the excitement and the adrenaline and endorphins were at maximum levels. No pain at all!

After staircase number 5 it was a run up a hill and then another hill and out along the outskirts of town. Beautiful. The path was a little sketchy as the pavement was broken up but I didn’t care, it was awesome!

My goal was to run the 4.5 mile race in under an hour. I didn’t know how my leg would hold up and I didn’t know the route. But I figured that would be pretty respectable. And although Sheila was chattering at me every mile I didn’t hear a word she said. There were always people cheering or clapping! Plus the voices in my head were singing! So, I really had no idea about my time.

I powered up each and every staircase, even 6, 7, 8 and 9! I was winded, but my legs weren’t tired. They were enjoying those stairs! Even the hills were fun!

When I hit the last staircase and I knew I was headed to the finish line I tried to push even harder, go even faster, I really wanted to RACE to the finish! And, after you came up those last stairs, it was downhill to the end. It was simply awesome!

I crossed the finished line at the clock time of 52 minutes something but final chip time said 50:10. (16th in my age group!) I was STOKED! I was grinning ear from ear! I hugged my medal! I loved the after race snacks! It was like heaven! Do you think heaven will have stairs? Oooo… now that’s sort of an oxymoron for people, huh?

Anyway, I gathered all the goodies and waited for my hubby to finish. I watched as runners crossed the finish line, happy as can be. Some looked completely worn out, some looked like they had just run 4.5 miles and climbed 1034 stairs, but all finally turned that “I think I may die” face into a smile. And, even when my husband came down that hill you could tell he had felt every one of those miles and every single step, but when he crossed the finish line, even he smiled a little. 🙂

My words cannot describe how awesome that race was. I loved everything about it. The winding roads, the broken pavement, the uneven stairs, the overgrown pathways, and even the cars driving along beside you! I wanted to sign up right then and there and do it again next year! I was gonna book my room and tell all my Team RockStar friends to join me. It was THAT cool!

After the race my husband was feeling it. His legs were sore and he was tired. A couple of years ago – now this is his version – he says I forced him to walk a 5K that took us on a local freeway and up a few hills and he pulled a hamstring. It took literally months for his leg to heal and it hasn’t been quite right since. Now, this is my version – a couple of years ago he told me about a 5K that some of the teachers at the elementary school were doing and thought it would be fun to join them. So we did. I wasn’t a runner then, I didn’t do hills, so I didn’t PUSH. HE did. And because he did, he pulled his hammy. I had nothing to do with it! But every time he gets signed up for a race, the pain in his leg becomes my fault. 🙂 Whatever!

Anyway, we spent the rest of the day taking in the sites, enjoying the little shops and the atmosphere. Remember that big hole? Come to find out, it was part of the copper mine that Bisbee was built around. We didn’t get a chance to go into the mine because we missed the last tour plus the sign said it was 47 degrees down in the mine! I was wearing my running skirt! I would have frozen to death underground!
We stopped and got dinner at a little mexican food place, took it back to the lodge and watched tv before going to bed. It was a great weekend get away! It really was. I’m very thankful to my friend who shared the link with me. It is now on my Top Ten List of the Greatest Things I’ve Ever Done!

The ride home was uneventful but fun as well. I got to drive part of the way and my lead foot didn’t get us into any problems. I was a very good driver. 🙂

Anyway, I wanted to share my Bisbee adventure. It was very memorable and great fun. Sadly, I won’t be doing it again. The price went up and because of all the other expenses that go along with it, it’ll just have to remain a wonderful memory.

If you ever get the chance to do the Great Stair Climb in Bisbee, Arizona I’d recommend it at least once. A great time, a great course, many great memories!

Yep, I’m taking a break! Yep, no running. NO running. Yep, no walking. Not even walking. Yep, no working out. Not even my upper body! I know, I know! What has happened!? Oh no! What in the world? Is it cuz of the government shut down? There’s an October challenge! There’s a race on Saturday! Martha, grab your coat! HELL is freezing over!!!!

In September I ran every day. EVERY day. No big deal. Many runners do it. Many runners have done it for weeks, months, years AND decades. In September I increased my mileage every day, only by a mile, but still it was an increase. Again, no big deal. Ultra runners probably think increasing mileage slightly is normal. Elite runners probably think running 100+ miles a week is simply part of being “elite”. Please note… I’m not an ultra runner nor am I an elite runner. I’m simply average. 😉 But!!! And, here comes the purpose of the dreaded rest… The last two days of the running challenge I pushed too hard, masked the pain and thrashed my right leg. Then, cuz this is what Rhonda does, I did not rest. I started the October stair challenge and just kept right on going. Sure it hurt! Sure my quad throbbed in pain, sure my knee groaned with every step, sure my mind was battling the “rest” demons! Sure! But, I pressed on. Oh, yes, I’d take a day off and headed to the weight machines or maybe I’d walk rather than run. Or maybe I’d do the stair mill rather than “real” stairs. All because of the race on Saturday. I’m so looking forward to this race! I really cannot wait!

I can usually tell if I’m hurt or if I’m injured. 😉 If I’m hurt, I just run, walk, or workout through it. If I’m injured, I have to go to battle with the little people living inside my head to get the okay to rest. And not just rest but GENUINELY REST. Like not even get on my feet! And, this my friend is a BATTLE. There’s about one sane person living inside my head. She’s the voice of reason and she RARELY gets listened to. Usually the crazy one, the one who is obsessed with not settling, not giving in, not quitting, not looking like a slacker, her! She usually wins the argument and the rest of us minions simply follow along. Yes, we belly ache. Yes, we moan and complain. Yes, we hobble in the mornings. Yes, we know exactly how much ice is needed for an ice bath or the ice bag. Yes, we know how much Ibuprofen we should take. But when the sane person finally SHOUTS loud enough then us minions turn to her voice and follow her. We get on board with resting, taking a break, easing up, enjoying others’ successes. And the body in which we congregate gets a break and we heal. Sometimes crazy girl snaps us out of la la land (as she calls it) and back into bootcamp before we are fully recovered but sometimes sane girl puts her foot down, crosses her arms, sets her shoulders and commands “SIT DOWN!”

So, that’s where we are at tonight. Sane girl couldn’t take it any more, got on the bull horn and simply yelled “IF YOU WANT TO RUN THE STAIR RACE ON SATURDAY THEN YOU NEED TO STOP NOW!!!! IF YOU WANT TO BE A SPECTATOR ON SATURDAY KEEP ON GOING!!!!” And THAT got crazy girl’s attention. What? Spectator? “Oh HECK NO!” So, now she’s being all nice to the rest of us… “Here, take it easy. Play on your phone. No need to run with Team RockStar, just wait for them at the car. Try another game of Candy Crush. No need to keep up with the October challenge, we will catch up next week when we get back. Here sit on the couch. No need to go to the gym, we don’t want sore arms or cranky abs. Here is the remote. No, rest, my pretties, rest.”

Which really means we are gonna get our butts kicked when the race is over!